Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue

The Compact SUV segment can be divided into 3 broad categories. The budget hatchbacks with black cladding attached to the sides (Renault Kwid, WRV,  etc.), the sub 4 meter compact SUVs (Ford Ecosport, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 300) and the not-so-compact compact SUVs like the Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta and the Renault Captur. The newly launched Hyundai Venue falls  into the 2nd category, i.e., the actual compact SUV. What does this Hyundai have to offer in this cut-throat segment? Let's find out...

Who would buy one?

1. The Venue is aimed at those who can't keep their phones down for something as trivial as driving. This is because the Hyundai Venue is basically a large mobile phone with wheels. There's so much tech that it would take a really long time to understand and use every feature on this car. For those who find using their smartphones hard work, I'm afraid the Hyundai Venue is not for you.

Note-worthy

1. The Tech on Offer: Talk about packed to the gill. There's so much going on that there is no need to pick up your phone. You can leave it in the wireless charging station while you enjoy the following list of features:segment-firsts like SOS alert, Indian-accented English voice assist system, remote engine-start and climate control operation among others. It also gets an in-built eSIM card. Other segment-first comfort features include a sunroof, wireless charging, air purifier, 8.4-inch HD display screen, eco-coating, Arkamys sound system and wheel air curtains. Phew... that's a lot to process. The most important feature is the blue link app which can perform the following functions:

1. The petrol drivetrain: The 1.0 L turbocharged Kappa motor mated to a 7 Speed Dual clutch transmission (for more information on DCTs take a look at this post) is surprisingly good. Not only is it refined and quite, its pretty fun too... Below 1800 rpm there is a little bit of turbo lag, but the intelligent (and rather quite smooth) DCT helps mask the lag to a great extent. Rev past the 2000 rpm mark and the mid-range of this vehicle is quite enjoyable. You might think that all the fun is over by 4000 rpm, but revving it further opens up more power. What is going on? Hyundai giving us a petrol engine that loves to REV? The world may not be a bad place after all.
2. The Cabin: Hyundai is no stranger to beautiful cabins... And this one is no exception. In fact I think the Venue has the most sophisticated Hyundai cabin to date. The materials belong in a much more expensive car and the ergonomics are pretty great too.

Not Worthy

1.  The diesel: Hyundai didn't bother making a kick-ass diesel, probably because it is going to become die-sel (get it? About how the government is phasing out diesel therefore its going to die? This is why I'll never be a proper automotive journalist). Not only that, they decided to spec it with the least powerful diesel too. the 1.4 from the Hyundai i20. Its extrememly unresponsive and has a powerband of 2000 rpm. Its almost like they are discouraging you from buying the diesel variant...
2. Space in the back seat: Its not bad, but its definitely not good either. The cabin is pretty narrow, so seating three abreast would be hard also legroom on offer is not much. Some relief comes from the fact that the seat itself is quite comfortable.

Which Variant should I buy?

The SX+ variant (the one just below the the fully loaded version) has most of the frills you would need. Remember to spec your car with the Blue-link app which turns out out be quite useful. The DCT automatic transmission mated to the 1.0 l petrol is my proffered engine option because is has the right balance between ease-of-use and Driver Engagement.

The competition

The Hyundai Venue goes up agains some strong competitors such as the well established (in terms of sales numbers) Suzuki Brezza, the futuristic looking and desirable Tata Nexon and my favourite compact SUV the Ford Ecosport. The Venue surpasses its competition in some fronts such as technology and interior ambience and is quite desirable. But the Ford Ecosport with a gem of an engine and classy interiors and wonderful driving dynamics sings to the automobile enthusiast in me. I'd say they are evenly matched at the top and your decision whether to buy the Ecosport or the Venue will come down to personal preference. Whichever way you go, there's you will not be disappointed.